The 31-year-old came off an excellent year in 2012 with hopes of a similarly strong 2013.

But injuries forced him to miss nearly half the season, before he came back in the line-up in time for Fremantle's charge to the top four and stunning finals campaign.

Over the years, Pavlich has stuck with Fremantle through thick and thin, when many commentators - and some fans - might have expected him to return home to Adelaide, where he started out with Woodville-West Torrens.

The six-time All-Australian, who is in his seventh year as captain and 14th season overall at the Dockers, had only been to one preliminary final - a loss to Sydney in 2006 - and the grand final was seen as an opportunity to round out a stellar career.

But those hopes disappeared over four quarters at a windy MCG in front of 100,007 fans.